Thailand Gold

1968 Thailand 300 Baht Gold

.900 Gold

The earliest civilisation in Thailand is believed to have been
that of the Mons in central Thailand, who brought a Buddhist culture from the Indian
subcontinent. In the 12th century, this met a Khmer culture moving from the east, the
Sumatran-based Srivijaya culture moving north, and citizens of the Thai state of Nan Chao,
in what is now southern China, migrating south. Thai princes created the first Siamese
capital in Sukhothai, later centres in Chiang Mai and, notably, Ayuthaya.
The Burmese invaded Siam in both the 16th and 18th centuries, capturing Chiang Mai and
destroying Ayuthaya. The Thais expelled the Burmese and moved their capital to Thonburi. In
1782, the current Chakri dynasty was founded by King Rama I and the capital was moved
across the river to Bangkok. In the 19th century, Siam remained independent by deftly
playing off one European power against another. In 1932, a peaceful coup converted the
country into a constitutional monarchy, and in 1939 Siam became Thailand.
During WW II, the Thai government allowed Japanese troops to occupy Thailand. After the
war, Thailand was dominated by the military and experienced more than twenty coups and
counter coups interspersed with short-lived experiments with democracy. Democratic
elections in 1979 were followed by a long period of stability and prosperity as power
shifted from the military to the business elite. In February 1991 a military coup ousted
the Chatichai government, but bloody demonstrations in May 1992 led to the reinstatement of
a civilian government.

Mintage101,000

One Year Type Coin
The obverse features depicts the bust of Queen Sirikit.
The reverse has the royal monogram.